Valparaiso University hosts Black History Month events
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Students in the Valparaiso University Black Student Organization (BSO) will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with a variety of campus events on campus, 1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. The public is invited to attend. Flex your musical knowledge with “Guess the Song” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Loke Hall; a Soul Food Brunch will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 15 at Loke Hall; enjoy movie night with a screening Ryan Coogler’s 2025 horror film “Sinners” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at Christopher Center Library Room 205; and the BSO and Latino in Valparaiso for Excellence (LIVE) will host a Poetry Slam event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at B.B.’s in the Harre Union. For more information, email blackstudentorg@valpo.edu.
NAACP to host Jr. Image Awards, Talent Extravaganza
The Gary Branch of the NAACP will celebrate academic excellence, creativity, leadership and achievement among youth across Northwest Indiana during the Fourth Annual NAACP Jr. Image Awards and ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) Talent Extravaganza. The event will take place Saturday at Indiana University Northwest, Savannah Hall, 3400 Broadway, Gary. Doors open at 3 p.m., with student exhibits and vendor participation from 3 to 5 p.m. The featured ACT-SO Talent Extravaganza will begin at 4:15 p.m. in the Bergland Auditorium. This family-friendly event spotlights outstanding high school students while showcasing the talents of young people of all ages through the NAACP’s nationally recognized ACT-SO program. The event will spotlight youth achievement across multiple disciplines, including dance, entrepreneurship, filmmaking, music, painting, photography, STEM, athletics and youth activism. This is a free, public event; tickets available via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gary-naacp-4th-annual-jr-image-awards-talent-extravaganza-tickets-1975066071788. For more information, email actso.gary.3050@gmail.com.
IU Northwest offers free dental exams, cleanings for children
The annual Give Kids a Smile event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 14 and Feb. 21 in the Indiana University Northwest Dunes Medical/Professional Building — Dental Clinic, Room 1030, Gary. Hosted by the Indiana University Northwest Dental Hygiene Program in partnership with the American Dental Association, Give Kids a Smile will provide free dental exams, dental cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments and oral hygiene instructions to children ages 5 to 12. Dental hygiene students from IU Northwest will provide care, alongside a licensed dentist and dental hygienists. Space is limited. To schedule an appointment, contact the Dental Clinic at 219-980-6772. Reference “Give Kids a Smile” program when scheduling. Walk-ins are not allowed.
Rotary Means Business NWI hosts networking event
Rotary Means Business Northwest Indiana (RMB NWI) is bringing Rotary Clubs from Merrillville, Schererville, Hammond and Valparaiso together for a networking event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at NIRPC, 6100 Southport Road, Portage. Designed to connect and empower business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders from across the Region, attendees will enjoy a structured yet engaging evening that includes: Open Networking; Program Introduction; Speed Networking Sessions; and Upcoming Rotary Volunteer Opportunities. This event is open to the public and ideal for business owners and nonprofit leaders. It is not required to be a Rotary Member to attend this event. For more information, email jskibbie@jrsmarcom.com.
Calumet Township Trustee’s Office distributes food
In a continued effort to combat food insecurity and support families in the community, Calumet Township Trustee’s Office will hold its Drive-Thru Pre-Packaged Food Distribution program Feb. 12 and 26 at the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center, 1900 W. 41st Ave., Gary. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with distribution immediately following. One per household. The program is open to residents of Gary and Unincorporated Calumet Township. ID is required. Residents are encouraged to come early; distribution is first-come, first-served while supplies last. For more information, call 219-880-4913.
